Seve Ballesteros officially retired from golf yesterday, ending a charismatic run that carried him to a record 50 victories on the European Tour, five major championships and a Ryder Cup career that helped Europe shed its underdog image.

“I don’t have the desire,” said Ballesteros, who has not been a factor the last decade because of back injuries, rarely playing the last couple of years. He returned to the Masters this year to give his career one last chance. He had rounds of 86-80 to finish in last place, then tried one Champions Tour event after turning 50 in April, but again came in last.

* Japan’s Shingo Katayama pulled out of the British Open yesterday with back and right knee injuries. His place was taken in the 156-strong field by Lucas Glover.

* Defending champion Jimmy Hazen of St. George’s G&CC heads the field competing in the $110,000 New York State Open, which starts today at Bethpage Black.

BASEBALL: Kendall traded to Cubs

The Cubs acquired veteran catcher Jason Kendall in a trade with the Athletics for catcher Rob Bowen and minor league pitcher Jerry Blevins. The 33-year-old Kendall has been praised for his durability despite his inconsistencies on offense, but the A’s like Kurt Suzuki and plan to make him their starter as Mike Piazza recovers from a shoulder injury.

* Cleveland manager Eric Wedge received a three-year contract extension from the Indians . . . The Brewers placed pitcher Ben Sheets on the 15-day DL with a sprained finger on his pitching hand . . . Red Sox righty Curt Schilling threw 31 pitches in a two-inning simulated game and pronounced himself ready to take the next step in his rehabilitation from shoulder tendinitis.

SOCCER: Bad ankle slows Beckham

David Beckham was limited to some stretching and kicking drills because of a lingering ankle injury in his first practice yesterday since joining the L.A. Galaxy. He is scheduled to make his playing debut Saturday in an exhibition against Chelsea, but Galaxy coach Frank Yallop said the superstar midfielder is day-to-day.

BOXING: Klitschko fights back

Former WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will fight Jameel McCline on Sept. 22 in Munich in Klitschko’s first bout in nearly three years. Back and knee problems forced Klitschko to retire with a 35-2 record with 34 knockouts. Klitschko’s younger brother Wladimir is the IBF heavyweight champion.

NFL: Chiefs suspend Allen

Kansas City DE Jared Allen has been suspended by the NFL for the first two games of the 2007 season following two DUI arrests . . . CB Asante Samuel and the Patriots failed to agree on a multiyear contract yesterday, setting the stage for a possible holdout.

SOFTBALL: U.S. wins World Cup

Tairia Flowers homered, Crystl Bustos added a two-run double and Cat Osterman was all but unhittable as the United States beat Japan 3-0 in the World Cup of Softball championship game last night in Oklahoma City.